4BB is a leading set of chambers specialising in criminal law

Covid-19: 4BB is operating its business as usual. We are working remotely and can be contacted on our normal number

NEWS

March 2021

Congratulations and welcome to our newest tenant, Grace King, having successfully completed her pupillage with us, she has embraced the challenges of this past year with professionalism, dedication, and an excellent attitude - Well done!

February 2021

Stuart Trimmer KC prosecutes murder in a residential facility for individuals with mental health issues.
[BBC]

January 2021

Stuart Trimmer KC leading Richard Jones successfully prosecuted a 19 year old man who used a samurai sword to kill a man at at party.
[BBC]

December 2020

Stuart Trimmer KCV
[BBC]

October 2020

Stuart Trimmer KC successfully prosecuted a drug dealer who murdered a rival to protect his "turf". Lee Sopp, who wore a Crusader-style chainmail vest to protect himself, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years.
[BBC]

September 2020

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Nic Lobbenberg KC as joint Head of Chambers with Stuart Trimmer KC.
Nic‘s appointment follows our recent move to new premises at 44 Southampton Buildings, which offers modern accommodation, excellent digital working facilities and state of the art conference rooms. This move will allow 4BB to continue to offer our clients the highest service as we adapt to the changing needs of the Bar.
We look forward to further success under our new joint Heads of Chambers.

We are delighted to announce that Jessica Peck has accepted an invitation to join Chambers following successful completion of pupillage.

March 2020

Unfortunately members of the clerks have confirmed that they need to self isolate.
Chambers are following the government’s recent updated advice and as we will be working remotely.
We are resolving issues with the redirection of a telephone line but in the meantime please use clerks@4BB.co.uk as the first point of contact. This email address will be continuously monitored.
You may also like to follow us @4bblondon for updates.
The clerks numbers are:
Colin 07930554775
Jake 07810020884
Danny 07540779753
Adam 07990904613

R v WH, Southwark Crown Court
Stephanie Panchkowry successfully represented a Defendant at re-trial who was acquitted by a unanimous verdict in a multi-handed knife-point robbery of a Bentley worth £280,000.
[courtnewsuk]

R v EM & OTHERS, Luton Crown Court
Simon Wilshire, leading Neil King, successfully prosecuted 3 Defendants for their involvement in a shooting in a residential estate in Hitchin, Hertfordshire in July 2019 and for their subsequent efforts to conceal one of the firearms used in the shooting. The trial lasted 5 weeks. A further 3 Defendants had previously admitted their involvement. All 6 await sentence.

February 2020

R v Kostiajevas
Stuart Trimmer KC and Richard Jones successfully prosecute man who murdered his wife in "frenzied" attack.
[BBC]
[BBC]

R v MT & OTHERS, Reading Crown Court
Simon Wilshire, leading Jai Patel, prosecuted ten Defendants involved in a conspiracy to supply cocaine operating in the County of Hertfordshire. Six of the Defendants were convicted after a trial lasting 10 weeks, while four others pleaded guilty. The Defendants were sentenced to varying terms of imprisonment of up to 12 years.
[hertsad.co.uk]

R v CT & OTHERS, Kingston Crown Court
Stephanie Panchkowry represented one of the Defendants in a high-profile, multi-handed conspiracy to commit robbery of £4.1m of jewellery. Ciro Troyano was part of a professional gang that planned the robbery of a Le Vian sales representative. Sustained violence was used causing long term physical and psychological effects to the victim. Following a complicated 7 week trial, all Defendants were convicted.
[mirror.co.uk]
[southwarknews.co.uk]
[BBC]
[getsurrey.co.uk]

January 2020

MCA v Daniel Wakefield
Emily Lauchlan represented the captain of a London Party Boat's vessel who fell asleep at the wheel, causing over £1.5m damage when he collided with the Met Police's Pontoon. The defendant received a fine.
[Daily Mail]

R v TB
Gabrielle McAvock, Prosecuting. Gross indecency with biological daughter aged between 7 - 10 years old. Convicted of all counts on the indictment after trial. Historical sexual offences committed in the early 1970s by a defendant aged in his 80s at the time of trial.
[oxfordmail.co.uk]

R v WF & MH
Isobel McCarroll, defending one of two men facing serious charges of blackmail and theft secured not guilty verdicts following a seven day trial at Canterbury Crown Court.
[kentonline.co.uk]

Inquest into the death of Luke Blackhurst
The Inquest concludes into the death of Luke Blackhurst who had autism and complex social care needs. Isobel McCarroll represented Luke's mother Rebecca Blackhurst at the inquest into his death before HM Senior Coroner Veronica Hamilton-Deely.
[inquest.org.uk]
[theargus.co.uk]

December 2019

R v JL
On accepting submissions made by Emily Lauchlan, HHJ Pounder ruled that Res Gestae evidence captured on Body Worn Video should be excluded as unfair on the defence to not cross-examine in a domestic violence case. This led to two other independent witness' evidence being excluded and the case dropped.

R v Tarbraz 2019
'Honour killing'. Stuart Trimmer KC successfully prosecuted a defendant who committed murder because he said his sister was insulted at work. He then fled to the United States and was extradited 18 years later. Issues arose concerning the application of Schedule 21 and sentencing for Murder offences before 2001.
[BBC News]

November 2019

R v JD 2019
A client acquitted of Robbery at Reading Crown Court in less than 30 minutes. Defended by Emily Lauchlan.

R v CH 2019
Emily Lauchlan represented a defendant who pleaded guilty to possession of a knife, his forth relevant conviction which attracts a mandatory minimum 6 months imprisonment. He was given a suspended sentence order.

R v JH 2019
Emily Lauchlan put forward mitigation for a vulnerable defendant who received a suspended sentence order for an offence of ABH where he had stabbed another resident in his hostel.

October 2019

We are pleased to announce that Nick Ferrari has been admitted to the CPS Advocate Panel as a Level 1 Advocate.

September 2019

We are pleased to announce that Nick Ferrari has accepted a Third Six at Chambers.

August 2019

Jon Mitchell and Julia Mackworth successfully defend in a 7-week money laundering case. Instructed by Mr Nasir Ali Hussain of Musa Patels LLP of Dewsbury, two of eight defendants were acquitted in a document heavy fraud at St Albans. The prosecution alleged a complex insider banking fraud in which large sums stolen were quickly diverted through multiple layers of businesses across the UK. This defence team put forward a detailed and sophisticated defence involving a large quantity of business and banking records combined with expert forensic accountancy reports.
[ITV News]

July 2019

Nick Lobbenberg KC successfully represented officers in the Nuno Cardoso inquest,.instructed on behalf of Thames Valley Police Federation. The jury were entirely supportive of the officers' conduct in their finding.
[BBC News]

June 2019

After a 4 week trial Abigail Penny and Christina Josephides - instructed by Jeremy Nicholls of Birds Solicitors - secured the acquittal of a defendant accused of kidnap, false imprisonment, blackmail and GBH with intent. Described as one of the most violent kidnaps ever seen by the Metropolitan Police Kidnap and Serious Organised Crime Unit.

May 2019

Congratulations to Rhia Abukhalil and Grace Wheatley who have been offered and accepted pupillages at 4BB. We take on pupils every year and had over 120 applications during this process. The standard was extremely high. They will start in October 2019.

April 2019

Successful conclusion to trial prosecuted by Stuart Trimmer KC. Four defendants convicted of carrying out a fatal attack which they filmed and published on Snapchat.
[BBC News]

Chambers is delighted to announce that Ryan Brennan and Rebecca Moss have accepted offers to join Chambers after successful completion of their pupillages.

March 2019

The Lord Chief Justice has appointed  Tim Nutley as a Deputy District Judge, sitting on the Midland Circuit. Tim will sit for approximately six weeks per year. He remains available for instruction in both prosecution and defence work.

February 2019

Stuart Trimmer KC concludes unusual confiscation saga. He acted on behalf of the Serious Fraud Office in the original proceedings (2006+2008), Court of Appeal (2017) and more recently the High Court (2019).

The High Court heard that Raymond Nevitt squandered hidden assets to fund "an extravagant and hedonistic lifestyle, going out every night and day, taking trips to Barcelona, Mont Blanc, Monte Carlo, San Rafael, Amsterdam, Paris and Ischgl. He said he would sometimes spend up to €3,000 in an evening entertaining friends over from England".

In passing judgment in favour of the SFO, and upholding the £1.6 million Confiscation Order, the court ruled "It could not have been the intention of Parliament that criminals should be able to defeat the purpose of confiscation legislation and frustrate a Confiscation Order by simply squandering the money; let alone by supporting life "on the run". There is nothing in the 1988 Act which supports such an absurd and obviously unintended conclusion​."

Court Of Appeal
High Court

December 2018

Nicholas Lobbenberg KC elected as a Master of the Bench, Honourable Society of Gray's Inn.

May 2018

Prosecution offer no evidence in Chelmsford 'throat slashing' trial. The defendant was represented by Jan Hayne

The prosecution applied to read the complainant's statement to the jury, after he twice failed to attend a secret live link location.


Read more...

March 2018

4BB will support the action suggested by the Criminal Bar Association.

We do so because it is a response we are driven to. The value of a criminal justice system is so often overlooked because the Criminal Bar works hard to plug the gaps that chronic under-funding creates.


Read more...

Private prosecution brought by Saudi Arabian Sheikh’s company collapses at Southwark Crown Court. The defendants were separately represented by Nick Lobbenberg KC and George Heimler.

The two defendants had been working in the Middle East for a company based in Riyadh, whose CEO was a multi-millionaire Saudi Arabian Sheikh.


Read more...

Rebecca Bax and Emily Lauchlan attended the Youth Justice Legal Centre's fantastic advocacy training, held for pupils and junior barristers on 3rd and 10th March 2018.

Read more...

February 2018

Gareth Underhill and Tim Nutley secure not guilty verdicts following HMRC disclosure failings.

This case highlighted the importance of instructing counsel who know the intricacies of the law surrounding disclosure and are prepared to pursue material relentlessly on a defendant’s behalf.


Read more...

October 2017

Sam Stein KC secures acquittal of murder in case at the Winchester Crown Court.

Mr. Taylor was found guilty of manslaughter despite telling police officers “I hope I’ve murdered him – that would make my day”. For more details, please see the Somerset Live News.

Nic Lobbenberg KC defends Officer P. over gross misconduct charges

Gross misconduct charges dismissed against officer in IPCC investigation into death of Aston Williams upon police contact.

Gabrielle McAvock joins Chambers

We are delighted to announce that Gabrielle McAvock has joined Chambers, as of 18th October 2017. Gabrielle was previously a member of 2 King's Bench Walk.

August - September 2017

Nic Lobbenberg successful on historic abuse case

Trial of man accused of multiple counts of rape and sexual assaults. 10 complainants historic allegations from 1980s. N was acquitted of 14 counts. Jury hung on 9

July 2017

Stuart Trimmer KC successful in Court of Appeal in landmark ruling in case involving the death of a vulnerable adult

The Court of Appeal has upheld the conviction of a man for causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult. Prosecuted by Stuart Trimmer KC, the case concerned the death of Shahena Uddin, following long term abuse and mistreatment at the hands of several of her family members. At the original trial, Ms. Uddin’s sister-in-law, Salma Begum, was convicted of her murder. Her sister and four of her brothers, including the appellant Uddin, were convicted of causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult. The Court of Appeal agreed with the Crown’s submissions that the definition of an ‘otherwise’ vulnerable adult included adults subject to particular forms of domestic violence and other controlling behaviour. The appeal was dismissed and the conviction upheld.
For a copy of the judgment, please see here.
For a news report on the original trial, please see the BBC news report.

June 2017

Stuart Trimmer KC secures convictions in coma victim murder case

Stuart Trimmer KC has successfully prosecuted two men following the death of Henry Huggins, who spent 22 months in a coma following an attack in August 2013. Stuart Doherty, who had previously admitted causing grievous bodily harm to Mr. Huggins, has now been found guilty of murder, following a trial at Luton Crown Court. James Early had previously been convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, has now been found guilty of manslaughter. Both men will be sentenced later this month.
For more details on the case, please see this BBC news report.

Stuart Trimmer KC successfully defends confiscation order in Court of Appeal

In the case of Nevitt [2017] EWCA Crim 421, Stuart Trimmer KC has successfully defended a confiscation order in the Court of Appeal. The order, which was made in 2008, had been challenged by the appellant on the basis that it ought not to have been made in his absence. Stuart was successfully able to argue that the trial judge had acted lawfully and the order was upheld.

May 2017

Jon Mitchell joins Chambers

We are delighted to announce that Jon Mitchell has joined Chambers, as of 1st May 2017. Jon was previously a member of Goldsmiths Chambers.

Charles Digby secures acquittal of man accused of acid attack on his new partner's ex-boyfriend

Following a retrial at the Kingston Crown Court in May 2017, Charles Digby has secured  has secured the acquittal of a man accused of causing GBH with intent to do so, who was alleged to have thrown acid into the face of his new girlfriend's former partner. As a result of the attack, permanent eye damage was caused to the complainant. The girlfriend had argued with her former partner that day over contact arrangements with their child, ending the argument with "just wait and see". Charles Digby, instructed by Caroline Spencer-Boulton, argued that the complainant, who had a history of Instability, may have self harmed or, if not, his ability to recognise the defendant was poor. Charles also demonstrated a partial alibi with disclosed CCTV evidence. Whilst the 1st jury took several days before they were deadlocked, the second jury acquitted the defendant in just over an hour.

Charles Digby secures GBH conviction of wife who stabbed her husband with a carving knife.

Charlies Digby has successfully secured the conviction of a wife who stabbed her husband with a carving knife. The trial took place at Lincoln Crown Court between 3rd and 7th of April 2017. The case involved a Lithuanian woman, who ended up in a domestic violence incident with her husband over his accusation that she had brought a younger man home. Both parties were drunk when she ran to the kitchen to arm herself with a knife, she said to protect herself from her husband's attack. As he turned away to escape she stabbed him once severing his liver in two and causing him to lose over 4 units of blood.

April 2017

Acquittals in conspiracy to commit armed robbery trial

On 31st March 2017, following a six week trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Peter Marshall secured acquittals for their respective clients, both of whom were accused of being part of a conspiracy to commit robberies of taxi drivers at knife point. It was the prosecution case that a total of 22 robberies had been committed in the Ilford area over the course of August and September 2015. Of the six defendants on trial, Peter's clients, who are both 18 now but were 16 at the time of the offences, were two of the three defendants acquitted.

February 2017

Ian Stewart sentenced to a life sentence for the murder of Helen Bailey

Ian Stewart was yesterday sentenced to a life sentence, having been convicted of the murder of Helen Bailey. Prosecuted by Stuart Trimmer KC, Stewart was sentenced to a life term and a schedule 21 term before he can be considered for release. HHJ Bright set that minimum term at 34 years, being the paragraph 5 30 year starting point, increased as a result of aggravating feature within paragraph 10. There will be confiscation proceedings in due course.

A copy of the sentencing remarks can be found here.

Ian Stewart convicted in Helen Bailey murder trial

Following a seven week trial, Stuart Trimmer KC successfully prosecuted Ian Stewart in relation to the murder of Helen Bailey and the disposal of her body. Stewart will be sentenced at St. Albans Crown Court on 23rd February 2017. During the trial, Stewart insisted that two others, known only as Nick and Joe, had in fact killed Helen Bailey. He said that they must have been responsible for the disposal of Helen's body and that of her beloved dog, Boris, in a cesspit under the garage.
BBC News

Kiran Pourawal joins Chambers

Chambers is delighted to announce that Kiran Pourawal has accepted an offer of tenancy, after successfully completing a third six pupillage.

January 2017

Stuart Trimmer KC prosecutes in Helen Bailey murder trial

Stuart Trimmer KC is currently prosecuting Ian Stewart in the high profile trial for the murder of Helen Bailey. Ms. Bailey was reported missing by Stewart on 15th April 2016. On 15th July 2016, her body was discovered, dumped in the cess pit under the garage at Stewart's home. Also in the pit was the body of Helen's dog, Boris. The ongoing trial, which started on 9th January 2017, is expected to conclude at the end of February 2017. For further information about the case, please see the following links.
Telegraph
BBC News
Google latest

August 2016

Helen Guest prosecutes dangerous driver who killed off duty police officer

In a trial which finished on 4th August 2016 at Peterborough Crown Court, Helen Guest successfully prosecuted Danny Warby for causing death by dangerous driving. The defendant had been opening a text message whilst driving a 13.6 tonne lorry, causing a crash which killed an office duty police officer. For more details about the case, please click here.

July 2016

Steven Kennedy published in Criminal Justice and Law Weekly

Steven Kennedy, a pupil in chambers, has had an article published in July's edition of ​Criminal Law and Justice Weekly (Vol. 180, Issue 28). Steven's article concerns sentencing in cases of historic sexual abuse and, in particular, the effect of s236A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. You can read Steven's article here (subscription required).

June 2016

Kevin Walsh secures clients release in Court of Appeal

On 28th June 2016, Kevin Walsh successfully appealed his clients sentence, securing her immediate release from prison. Kevin argued that the sentencing judge had failed to take into account the effect of an immediate prison sentence on the defendant's two young children. The Court of Appeal agreed, reducing her sentence for fraud to one of 6 months, all of which time she had already served.

Military Law in action - an interview with Hassan Baig

Click HERE

This article was first published on Lexis®PSL Public Law analysis on 23 June 2016. Click for a free trial of Lexis®PSL

Gemma Delaney wins in Court of Appeal

At the Court of Appeal on 15th June 2016, Gemma Delaney successfully appealed against a sentence of 37 months, imposed against her client for an offence of maliciously causing grievous bodily harm. The Court of Appeal agreed with the defence submissions that the sentencing judge had failed to have sufficient regard for the appellant's mitigation or given sufficient credit for his guilty plea. His sentence was reduced to 30 months.

May 2016

Helen Guest prosecutes historic sex offender, in what is thought to be the first 'video link trial'.

On 4th May 2016 at the Crown Court at Luton, Helen Guest successfully prosecuted FK for a number of offences of historic sexual abuse. In what is thought to be the first case of it's kind, FK appeared via video link from his home throughout his trial. His medical conditions meant that FK was unable to attend in person but he was represented throughout by leading counsel who appeared in the court room, and a junior, who was at his home. Sentencing will take place ‪on 9th June 2016, when it is likely that FK will again appear via video link, from prison.

April 2016

Kevin Walsh successful in Court of Appeal

On 19th April 2016, the Court of Appeal reduced the sentence of Kevin Walsh's client from 4 years to 3 years, agreeing that the original sentence imposed at the Crown Court at Exeter was manifestly excessive. Please see here for a report of the original sentence.

March 2016

Nicki Roberson defends "Cheating Police Officer"

A 'cheating police officer', who defrauded her insurance company in order to cover up an affair was sentenced to a community order at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 3rd March 2015. Nicki Roberson was able to persuade the District Judge not to send the officer to prison, despite the 'serious act of dishonesty' by the officer.

[Daily Telegraph]

Elizabeth Cobb and Emily Lauchlan join Chambers

Chambers is delighted to announce that after successfully completing 18 month pupillages both Elizabeth Cobb and Emily Lauchlan have accepted offers of tenancy.

Philip Levy Successfully Prosecutes Princes Risborough Attacker

At the Crown Court at Aylesbury Philip Levy successfully prosecuted Ruben Smith, a 19 year old who terrorised Princes Risborough with a series of a stabbing and attacks with other weapons. On 2nd March 2016 the Defendant was sentenced to a 12 year custodial sentence with a 4 year extended sentence.

Sam Stein KC joins 4BB

4BB is delighted to announce that Sam Stein KC has joined Chambers, with immediate effect. Sam was called to the Bar in 1988 and became a KC in 2009. He has a formidable reputation and has defended in some of the most serious and high profile cases of recent years.

Bozzie Sheffi and Alex Radley join 4BB

4BB welcomes Bozzie Sheffi and Alex Radley, both formerly of Nobles Solicitors, who have recently joined Chambers. They bring with them a wealth of experience and are welcome additions to our successful, growing team.

February 2016

Rose Burns in legal challenge against Winchester City Council

[Hampshire Chronicle]

January 2016

Nicholas Lobbenberg KC leads a prosecution team of 3 in a £9,000,000 fraud at Norwich Crown Court in January 2016.

December 2015

Stuart Trimmer KC successfully prosecutes a 8 week murder at St Albans Crown Court where all the defendants were relatives of the deceased. [BBC News] [Daily Mail]